Another inaccurate display in front of goals has cost Melbourne a preliminary final spot after Carlton secured another week in September by the near barest of margins in a semi-final nailbiter on Friday night.

The Blues staged both early and late comebacks to steal a 11.7 (73) to 9.17 (71) win in front of 96'000 at the MCG.

It came despite an inspired effort from Dees duo Kysaiah Pickett and Steven May at either end of the park.

After early indiscretions, Pickett rose over and over again to spell all kinds of nerves for the Blues defenders as they fought desperately to shut down the scoring attempts coming into their back fifty.

Kozzy is likely to be handed a suspension from the Match Review Officer for a high-bump on Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, the damage now far less with Melbourne's season drawing to a close.

The 22-year-old kicked two for the match - his first after snatching up the ball from the deep stoppage and getting the ball to boot in a sea of Carlton jumpers, and a second from a set shot dead in front bring the scores back square after the Blues jumped out early in the final term.

He later mopped up a ball brought down from a marking contest and handed off to Bailey Fritsch for their side's ninth and what threatened as a sealer.

After disarming dual Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow, Steven May got to work to block the Blues' forward movement through the middle portion of the fourth term.

Intercept marks and positioning behind the ball picked apart repeated attempts from Carlton to get the ball headed toward their front end.

May finished with 21 touches with seven spoils and added plenty of drive off his left foot coming out of Melbourne's back half.

A late surge and moments determined by inches, the Blues pinched the final two goals of the contest to run out the victors - thanked in part by Melbourne's last five attempts at goals resulting in behinds.

'Baggers youngster Jesse Motlop set up the win by making the most of his chance with six on the clock before Blake Acres kicked to victory.

Jesse Motlop with a crucial snag!#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/2PLIGNxR5X

— AFL (@AFL) September 15, 2023

Motlop kicked two through the contest for his second finals win after failing to register a stat coming on as the sub against Sydney last week.

Carlton move forward to face Brisbane at the Gabba in a preliminary final next weekend.